RUFC - The Saints are coming to Don Valley

Rotherham United have been drawn at home to Southampton in the Third (yes, third!) Round of the Carling Cup and it would be nice if we could repeat our 2-1 win from twenty-five years ago.

What do we know about Southampton?

They play at St Mary's Stadium, having moved there from The Dell in 2001. The manager is Jan Poortvliet of the Netherlands. He played nineteen times for his country after beginning his footballing career at PSV Eindhoven. Southampton are the fifth club he has been in charge at since he started his managerial career in 1996 at RBC Roosendaal in Holland.

The Saints joined the Football League in 1920, after it was newley-formed following the First World War and got promotion from Division Three (South) that first season.

During the Second World War, they were forced to share a ground with, 'rivals' Portsmouth after a bomb fell on The Dell which caused a crater and flooding.

In 1966, Southampton made it to the First Division, reaching their highest position of seventh in 1968/9 and again in 1970/1 and through this managed to get into the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup and then, under it's new name, the UEFA Cup.

Southampton became the first team to go down under the new three-down relegation system in 1974, returning to the top flight in 1977/8

In 1976 The Saints beat much fancied, Manchester United, in the FA Cup Final with a goal from Bobby Stokes.

In 2004/05 the Saints were once again relegated to lower league football and have had a succession of managers and board members and last season managed to survive being relegated in a final day victory over Sheffield United.

What/Who do you think of when you think of Southampton FC? Of course, there was ex Miller, Dave Watson and I think a lot of people will think of Matt Le Tissier in a red and white striped shirt but for some reason, whenever the Saints are mentioned I think of Terry Paine, who seemed to be at Southampton for ever.

The cup game at Don Valley will be played the week commencing 22nd September